PV Model Parameter Estimation using Modified FPA with Dynamic Switch Probability and Step Size Function

The development of highly efficient models of Photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules is essential for optimized performance, evaluation and control of solar PV systems. The accurate estimation of PV cells parameters is a challenging task because of their non-linear characteristics. In this paper, an improved variant of Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA) is proposed for accurate estimation of PV cells and modules parameters. The proposed algorithm involves double exponential based dynamic switch probability and a dynamic step size function that mitigate the limitations of conventional FPA. The dynamic switch probability improves the overall performance of algorithm by maintaining a balance between local and global search, while dynamic step function controls the search speed which avoids premature convergence and local optima stagnation. Moreover, Newton Raphson Method is utilized for accurate computation of estimated current for optimum set of estimated parameters. The proposed methodology is evaluated using seven benchmark functions and three case studies; 1- RTC France silicon PV cell, 2- Photo-watt PWP-201 PV module and 3- a practical solar PV system (EAGLE PERC 60M 310W monocrystalline PV module) under different environmental conditions by estimating parameters for single and double diode models. The analysis of results indicates that, the proposed approach improves the convergence speed, precision, avoids premature convergence and stagnation in local optima of conventional FPA. Furthermore, comparative analysis of results illustrates that, the proposed approach is more reliable and efficient than many other techniques in literature.